Six people died and many were stuck after a crash involving tankers, trucks, and cars at the Ibadan Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday night.
Motorists and passengers on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were stuck for over 10 hours after the crash caused a huge traffic jam.
The accident happened on Friday night, taking six lives and halting traffic on one of Nigeria's busiest highways.
The crash took place at Eleja Bridge near the Guru Maharaji area in Ibadan, Oyo State. This blocked both the Lagos-bound and Ibadan-bound sides, leaving travelers trapped in their cars overnight and into Saturday.
Many passengers had to get off commercial vehicles and walk long distances to find other transport options. Some drivers were stuck in a long line of vehicles on the highway.
Traffic also spilled over to nearby roads, with drivers trying to find alternative routes to avoid the blockage.
Kayode Adepoju, a Point-of-Sale attendant in the area, told Sunday PUNCH around 6:33 p.m. on Saturday that the traffic jam continued throughout the day, even with rescue efforts underway.
"Everywhere is still blocked. It has even extended to the old road. The accident happened yesterday. Since around 8 a.m., when I got to my shop, everywhere has been blocked. It is serious," he said.
Trader Opeyemi Ojo described the situation as chaotic. She said many commuters had no choice but to continue their journeys on foot.
"Many people are trekking. They come down from buses and start walking. Even commercial motorcyclists are trapped in the traffic.
"Okada riders have also increased their fares because of the traffic. Some of them are charging between N3,000 and N4,000 to Iwo Road, something a Micra vehicle would normally charge N800 when there is no traffic," she said.
Videos on social media showed long lines of cars on the highway. Stranded passengers were seen standing by the roadside or walking through the traffic with their belongings.
In one video posted on Instagram around 1 p.m. on Saturday by gospel musician Dare Justified, traffic was at a complete standstill.
He warned travelers to expect long delays, saying the collision involving multiple tankers and vehicles had blocked traffic in both directions, leaving many commuters stranded since morning.
Adeleke Adekunle, the Director of Operations of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the incident. He told our correspondent that six people died in the crash.
In a statement later sent to Sunday PUNCH, Moroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, said the accident was caused by brake failure.
He explained that the agency got a distress call around 9:29 p.m. on Friday and quickly sent firefighters to the scene.
He said the crash involved six trucks, including gas tankers and trailer trucks, plus two cars, leading to a fire outbreak.
"The agency’s officers promptly responded and deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, we discovered that the accident involved six trucks comprising gas tankers and trailer trucks and two cars, resulting in a fire outbreak.
"The fire crew quickly swung into action and restricted the fire from causing further damage to other vehicles and nearby properties," Akinwande said.
He added that six bodies were found at the scene, while eight other victims were rescued and given to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps for medical help.
Meanwhile, Oluwashola Busayo, Public Enlightenment Officer of the FRSC in Oyo State, said the affected vehicles were removed from the highway. Efforts were ongoing to transfer goods from one of the vehicles to help clear the road and restore normal traffic.
He also mentioned that one injured victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The FRSC's First Information Report stated that 14 people were involved in the crash, with one person hurt. The commission added that its rescue teams, police officers, and tow trucks were sent to clear the affected parts of the highway and reduce the traffic jam.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇